Discover Perth's Indigenous Past

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Western Australia is teeming with culturally significant sites that still reflect the ancient lives of the Aboriginal people. You don’t have to drive all the way out to woop woop just to discover them! Perth is home to sacred Indigenous sites and memorial parks that are just as impressive.

Burial site of the great Nyoongar leader and warrior, Yagan, the memorial park was designed to commemorate the life, death and spirit of a great hero. The site is also believed to be where Yagan was killed. The park pays homage to the countless Aboriginal lives lost defending the country. Walk through the site and pay your respects to the traditional owners of the land before admiring the statue of a brave man.

You’re probably wondering what a brewery is doing on a list of Aboriginal sites, right? The Old Swan Brewery is actually the sacred site of dreamtime ancestor Waugal. The spirit of Waugal is attributed to creating parts of Swan River and is said to reside in that very same spot to this day. The sacred site is visited by many Aboriginal people in the spirit’s honour.

Yanchep Nation Park is home to a number of different Aboriginal experiences, from dance and music to native bush tucker. Local Aboriginal guides often run tours and traditional didgeridoo performances. Discover the surrounding environment and feast upon bush tucker while you learn more about the Nyoongar people at Wangi Mia. Aboriginal experiences at the park need to be booked in advance!

One of the most popular spots in Perth, Kings Park, is home to an abundance of Indigenous history and Aboriginal culture. The Whadjuk tribe used the parklands as a sacred ceremonial and cultural area. Walk in the footsteps of an ancient clan and surround yourself with the natural environment. Located nearby the park is the Aboriginal Art Gallery where you can marvel at the works of local, talented Indigenous artists.

More than just a natural getaway, Rottnest Island is home to one of the oldest Aboriginal sites in Australia. Aboriginal people called the island home until thousands of years ago when water separated the island from mainland Australia. The island is also a former Aboriginal prison. Thousands of Aboriginal men and boys were sent to the island to serve sentences during the time the island operated as a prison. Home to ancient artefacts and burials, you won’t want to miss a visit to this island!